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PRESS RELEASE : £6 million repaid to workers as Government cracks down on employers underpaying their staff [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 17 October 2025.
- Nearly 500 employers fined over £10 million for failing to pay the National Minimum Wage.
- £6 million put back into the pockets of working people as Government delivers the biggest overhaul of workers’ rights in a generation, as part of its Plan for Change.
- Enforcement of workers’ rights is set to be beefed up through new Fair Work Agency which will shield workers from employers who flout the law.
Almost 500 employers who failed to pay the minimum wage have been named today (Friday 17 October) as the Government takes direct action to Make Work Pay.

Around 42,000 workers have been repaid by their employers, including well-known high street brands, with employers receiving fines totalling £10.2 million for breaking the rules.

This strong enforcement doesn’t just protect workers; it protects those businesses who do right by their staff from being undercut. By taking swift action against these employers, the Government is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate those who short-change their workers, regardless of their size or sector.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said:

Every worker deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, and this government will not tolerate rogue employers who short-change their staff.

I know that no employer wants to end up on one of these lists. But our Plan to Make Work Pay cracks down on those not playing by the rules.

This ensures a level playing field where all businesses pay what they owe whilst workers receive the boost to their living standards they deserve.

This action comes as the Government introduces the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights and enforcement for a generation through its Plan to Make Work Pay, which is set to directly benefit around 15 million, or half of all UK, workers.

As well as ensuring hard work is properly rewarded with fair treatment and decent pay, from April 2026 the Employment Rights Bill will also establish a new Fair Work Agency with more powers to tackle employers underpaying workers and failing to pay holiday and sick pay.

Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said:

This government is taking direct action to ensure workers get every penny they’ve earned, and to put an end to bad businesses undercutting good ones.

We are proud to have delivered a strong minimum wage and enforcing it thoroughly is crucial in our mission to put pounds back in your pocket.

I know this news will be welcomed by brilliant businesses across the country, those who know that happy well-paid staff are at the heart of building a successful company.

With our new Fair Work Agency and the coming Employment Rights Bill, this government is keeping our promise to Britain to make work pay again.

Today’s announcement follows significant increases to National Minimum Wage rates earlier this year. From April, millions got a pay rise with those on the National Living Wage who work full-time seeing their families supported by an extra £1,400 per year.

Baroness Philippa Stroud, Low Pay Commission Chair, said:

We are pleased the Government is keeping up momentum with the publication of today’s naming round.

It is vital that businesses understand the mistakes which can lead to underpayment, and that workers know where to go to enforce their rights.

Continuing to raise the profile of the NMW enforcement system will give the Fair Work Agency a solid foundation when it comes into operation next year.

Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said:

Not only is it important for employers to pay the correct minimum wage rates, it is also the law.

Failing to do so can result in grievances and potentially legal action, including costly employment tribunals, as well as being named and shamed.

Acas has advice on how employers can ensure they calculate the correct rate to pay their workers and what employees should do if they think they are not being paid the correct amount.
October 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Digital version of Veteran Card launched for quicker and easier access to support [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 17 October 2025.

Veterans can now apply for and download a secure digital version of the HM Armed Forces Veteran Card via the GOV.UK One Login app.
- Veterans can now apply for and download a digital version of the Veteran Card on their smartphone.
- From registering with GPs to housing support and discounted entry to museums, the card will ensure veterans can access services quickly and easily online.
- Part of the blueprint for modern digital government, as government makes public services simpler and more accessible so they work around people’s lives as part of the Plan for Change.
Nearly 2 million veterans can now get and benefit from a digital version of the Veteran Card, which will make it easier and quicker to access key services and discounts via their smartphones.

From today, Friday 17 October, it will give veterans a seamless way to confirm their status in person and will include information already featured on their physical card – displaying their name, photo, latest service, and date of birth with the security features that protect their personal information.

By downloading the optional card on their smartphones, former Service Personnel can show their veteran status to access everything from housing and mental health support to reduced entry at museums and money off their shopping – all at the touch of a button. The move forms part of government plans to deliver national renewal by transforming public services so they work around people’s lives and not the other way round.

Once application is approved, downloading the card takes minutes – far quicker than waiting for a physical card to arrive by post. Just like a digital bank card or rail card, it puts convenient proof of service directly in veterans’ pockets, highlighting which service of the Armed Forces they last served in to unlock service-specific support and ending the need to carry a physical copy whilst maintaining the highest security standards.

Veterans can download it via the GOV.UK One Login app, which, like banking apps, uses passcodes, Face ID, or Touch ID, providing the security veterans deserve whilst creating new opportunities to access services more conveniently. Once set up, veterans simply open the app and show their digital card.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, said:

Our veterans have given everything by serving for their country and it is only right that we give them all the support they need.

As we deliver national renewal we are modernising our public services so they work around people’s lives and keep pace with the digital world we live in.

The digital Veterans Card will help remove barriers, reduce red-tape and make it easier for people to access the public services they need.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones said:

Our veterans have given so much in service to our country, and we must ensure they can easily access the support and recognition they are entitled to and deserve.

This digital Veteran Card removes barriers and puts convenience back in their hands – whether they’re registering with a new GP, seeking housing support, or simply getting a discount at their local museum.

With 1.8 million veterans across the UK now able to benefit from this innovation, we’re making good on our commitment to modernise services for our veteran community.

Veterans will be able to use the digital card to:
- Register their service background with their GP to access the healthcare opportunities they deserve with security and respect. This can give them access to services in England such as Op RESTORE for physical health support and Op COURAGE for mental health and wellbeing.
- Confirm their military background to access supported housing through Op FORTITUDE, the government’s secure referral system and support service for ex-Service Personnel who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
- Get support into high value careers with Op ASCEND – a free government-backed service linking them up with career advisors and veteran-friendly employers.
- Access discounts and services offered by participating businesses with the security and convenience they deserve – in time for Remembrance Sunday.
The digital card is optional and will initially be available for in-person use, with functionality set to expand over the coming months to enable online use, further increasing convenience whilst maintaining security and creating new opportunities for veterans to access services.

Angela Kitching, Director of Campaigns, Policy and Research at the Royal British Legion, said:

We welcome the introduction of the digital HM Armed Forces Veteran Card as we do any initiative that helps to improve access to services and benefits for the Armed Forces community.

The fact that the digital Veteran Card will enable veterans to access and use their card more quickly is a positive development.

The digital Veteran Card works alongside the existing physical HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, giving veterans greater flexibility and choice. It is the UK government’s first digital document to be stored in the GOV.UK One Login app, which provides the security and functionality for storing digital credentials as part of our national renewal agenda to create opportunity and make lives easier through better digital services. As we add more credentials over time – like the digital driving licence – and bring this capability to a bigger group of users, we will transition to talking about it as the GOV.UK Wallet.

Today’s launch builds on the government’s blueprint for modern digital government – making public services simpler, faster and more accessible through trusted technology that puts people first. Earlier this year, the UK government launched the GOV.UK App providing a single, secure place for citizens to access multiple government services laying the groundwork for innovations like the digital Veteran Card.
October 23, 2025
NEWS STORY : Diplomatic Veteran Martin Reynolds Returns as UK Ambassador to Libya

STORY

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has announced the formal appointment of Martin Reynolds CB CMG as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Libya. Mr Reynolds, a seasoned diplomat, is taking up his post in October 2025, succeeding Dr Martin Longden CMG OBE.

The appointment was originally announced in December 2024, confirming Mr Reynolds’s return to the crucial diplomatic role in Tripoli. His background makes him well-suited for the demanding position in the politically complex country.

Mr Reynolds is no stranger to the mission, having previously served as the British Ambassador to Libya for a brief period in 2019. More widely known for his service in the heart of government, he was the Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister at No 10 Downing Street from 2019 to 2022. He also served as Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary for several years before that.

The change in leadership comes at a time when the UK continues to focus heavily on supporting stability and political reconciliation efforts in Libya. Mr Reynolds, who has spent the period between 2023 and 2025 engaged in crisis response work and Arabic language training, is expected to leverage his extensive experience and regional knowledge to strengthen the diplomatic relationship.

October 23, 2025

PRESS RELEASE : Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Libya – Martin Reynolds [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2025.

Following his appointment in December 2024 to succeed Dr Martin Longden CMG OBE as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the State of Libya, Mr Martin Reynolds CB CMG will now take up his new post during October 2025.

Curriculum Vitae

Full name Martin Alexander Baillie Reynolds

Year	Role
2023 to 2025	Crisis response work and Arabic language training
2019 to 2022	No 10 Downing Street, Principal Private Secretary to the Prime Minister
2019	Tripoli, Her Majesty’s Ambassador
2014 to 2018	FCO, Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary
2011 to 2014	Pretoria, Deputy High Commissioner
2008 to 2011	Brussels, Counsellor – Trade, Development and Wider World
2006 to 2008	Brussels, First Secretary – Enlargement and Western Balkans
2003 to 2005	FCO, Head of EU Enlargement Team
2001 to 2003	FCO, Strategic Policy Adviser
1999 to 2001	Singapore, Second Secretary (Economic/Commercial/Inward Investment)
1997 to 1999	FCO, Overseas Territories Department
1997	Joined FCO

October 23, 2025

PRESS RELEASE : The King honours Chairman and CEO of Sumitomo Electric [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 17 October 2025.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary OBE to Mr Masayoshi Matsumoto, recognising of his contribution to UK-Japan trade and investment.

His Majesty King Charles III has approved the award of Honorary OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) to Mr Masayoshi Matsumoto, in recognition of his contribution to UK-Japan trade and investment.

As Chairman and CEO of Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI), Mr Matsumoto has demonstrated visionary leadership in committing to major investment in the UK in support of the government’s clean energy agenda. In establishing SEI’s green field investment to create the UK’s first High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea cable factory at the Port of Nigg in Scotland, he has sent a signal of confidence in the UK as a strategic partner for Japan in building a low-carbon future. The investment is also helping to transform the Cromarty Firth Green Freeport area into a hub for innovation and green jobs.

Under Mr Matsumoto’s leadership, SEI’s investment is helping deliver critical infrastructure for the UK’s offshore wind industry, underscoring the strong economic partnership between Japan and the UK, and highlighting the UK’s strengths as a destination for sustainable investment.

As Chairman of the Kansai Economic Federation (Kankeiren) and in his role as Commissioner General for Japan & Vice Chairman of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, Mr Matsumoto has been a leading supporter of the UK’s proponent of the UK’s profile in one of Japan’s most economically dynamic regions.

October 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK is committed to supporting its Overseas Territories to deliver their priorities – UK Statement at the UN Fourth Committee [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2025.

Statement by Simon Thomas, UK Ambassador to the General Assembly, at the UN’s Special Political and Decolonisation Fourth Committee.

Let me start by reiterating that the United Kingdom has a modern relationship with all its Overseas Territories based on partnership; on shared values; and on the right of the people of each Territory to choose to remain British or not.

The UK Overseas Territories are self-governing, subject only to the UK retaining powers to carry out its obligations under international law.

We have a close bilateral relationship with each Territory, and the UK and Overseas Territory Governments hold a Joint Ministerial Council each year to monitor and drive forward collective priorities for action in the spirit of partnership.

We are committed to supporting the Territories on their priorities, including environmental protection, and carrying out our constitutional responsibilities, including guaranteeing security.

Across the Territories, we provide financial and practical support to build local capacity and resilience, and have projects underway to build new infrastructure, including a new hospital, ports and much more.

I will address specific points relating to two of the UK’s Overseas Territories.

Firstly, Gibraltar.

Last week, the Committee heard directly from the Chief Minister of Gibraltar as the elected representative of its people.

We welcome their participation and restate that the UK’s longstanding commitment to the people of Gibraltar remains unchanged.

The UK will not enter arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against their freely and democratically expressed wishes.

The United Kingdom also reaffirms that it will not enter a process of sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not content.

In December 2020, the UK, with Gibraltar, agreed a Political Framework with Spain for how a future agreement between the UK and the EU in respect of Gibraltar would function in the interests of all parties.

UK-EU negotiations began in October 2021. The UK, working side-by-side with the Government of Gibraltar, reached a political agreement with the EU on the core aspects of a Treaty in June 2025.

All parties are committed to finalising the text of the UK-EU Treaty in respect to Gibraltar as soon as possible.

The second specific issue I wish to address is the Falkland Islands.

The United Kingdom has no doubt about its sovereignty over both the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and their surrounding maritime areas.

Nor do we have any doubt about the Falkland Islanders’ right of self-determination.

This is enshrined in the UN Charter and in Article One of both UN covenants on human rights, by virtue of which they are free to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

In the 2013 referendum, which was conducted in line with international standards and was observed by independent, international observers, 99.8 per cent of those who voted wanted to remain their current status as a British Overseas Territory.

This result sent a clear message of self-determination, and that the people of the Islands do not want dialogue on sovereignty.

These wishes, expressed freely, should be respected.

The people of the Falkland Islands are an established and diverse community, with families being able to trace their South Atlantic ancestry back ten generations, and with over 60 different nationalities represented across the population.

The Falkland Islanders are proud of their autonomy and the prosperous modern democracy they have built, in which they have been able to offer universal health care and education and have shown how small island states can be prosperous with green sustainable growth.

The UK continues to look towards a stronger, more productive relationship with Argentina on matters of mutual interest, including practical cooperation in the South Atlantic.

Chair, in conclusion, the United Kingdom remains committed to respecting and defending the right of the people of each Territory to determine their own future, in line with the UN Charter.

And let me also reassure you that the United Kingdom will continue to carry out our responsibilities as part of our modern partnership with each of the territories.

October 23, 2025
Liz Lloyd – 2025 Speech at TechUK Cyber Security Event

The speech made by Liz Lloyd, the Minister for the Digital Economy, at One Great George Street in London on 16 October 2025.

It’s a real pleasure to be here with you tonight.

And thank you Nils for my introduction – and for remembering my very long title.

It’s a special moment for me personally. It’s my first public speech on cyber security since being appointed as Minister for the Digital Economy, and I can’t think of a better place to start than with you: the people at the heart of keeping our digital economy safe, resilient and thriving.

As you know, cyber security is not just a technical issue. It’s an enabler of growth and innovation. Firms with good cyber security in place can be confident of a stable environment under which they can invest and develop.

More widely, cyber security underpins everything we want to achieve in science, technology and innovation. Whether it’s AI, quantum, semiconductors or smart infrastructure – none of it works without trust, and trust depends on security.

UK cyber security sector

So let me begin by reiterating the government’s unwavering support for the UK’s cyber security sector.

This sector is a crucial element in our Industrial Strategy. It’s a frontier industry – one that not only protects our national interests but drives economic growth, creates high-value jobs, and strengthens our global standing.

The UK cyber sector now generates over £13 billion in revenue per year and directly supports more than 67,000 jobs across 2,000 companies. In total, 143,000 people are employed in cyber security jobs across the economy. That’s a remarkable achievement – and it’s thanks to everyone in this room.

But we know there’s more to do. That’s why we commissioned the Cyber Growth Action Plan earlier this year – addressing the question of what government and industry need to do in the future to drive further growth.

The plan sets out 9 recommendations across 3 pillars of culture, leadership and place. It calls for government to help stimulate informed demand for cyber security, clearer expectations for cyber risk reporting, and developing regional areas of cyber strength and specialisation.

It’s about helping winners grow, stimulating demand, and building public understanding of cyber security’s role in national resilience.

We’ll be responding to the action plan in due course, including working with our forums – such as the Cyber Growth Partnership – to discuss the recommendations and their implementation.

But in the meantime I wanted to touch on the other work my department has been driving forward across the sector, to help support your businesses to thrive.

We’re continuing to invest in programmes that support innovation. Our Cyber Runway programme – the UK’s largest cyber accelerator – is helping startups and scaleups access funding, develop products and expand internationally.

We recently secured a further £6 million pounds to support cyber startups by building on the Cyber Runway accelerator.

Then there’s CyberASAP – our academic startup accelerator – which has already created 34 spinouts, 76 new jobs and generated over £40 million pounds in investment. These programmes are helping turn pioneering ideas into commercial success.

As part of the Industrial Strategy we secured an additional £10 million pounds to support commercialisation of cyber research through the CyberASAP programme.

Driving growth is not just the role of government. You all have a role and I know that many successful cyber founders are now supporting the next generation of startups.

Last week an industry led group started to build on this, bringing Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from across all sectors of the economy into the same room as cyber startups to build collaboration through design partnerships. We will do everything we can to support this drive to find the next UK cyber unicorn.

And we hear from you that skills is a huge issue. Tonight, I want to highlight a new flagship initiative: TechFirst.

Announced by the Prime Minister at London Tech Week back in June, TechFirst is a £187 million programme to build a sustainable domestic pipeline of tech talent.

It will reach one million young people with foundational skills in AI and cyber, support over 4,000 graduates and researchers, and connect skilled people with real job opportunities across the UK.

TechFirst builds on the success of our existing CyberFirst programme and will be delivered in partnership with industry. So I want to encourage you – the sector – to get involved.

Your involvement could include offering work experience, mentoring, training places, or helping to shape local delivery. Whatever it is, your support will be vital. Together, we can inspire the next generation and ensure that talent is never a barrier to growth.

Resilience and the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill

Of course, we must also be honest about the threats we face.

Recent incidents – at Jaguar Land Rover, Co-op and M&S – have shown how disruptive and damaging cyber attacks can be. They’ve affected supply chains, halted operations, and put livelihoods at risk. Costs have run into hundreds of millions of pounds. These events are a stark reminder that resilience is not optional – it’s essential.

That is why the government this week wrote to the UK’s leading companies asking them to make cyber security a board level responsibility and to make full use of government support and guidance.

For the most critical and essential parts of our economy, we are going further by introducing the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill.

This legislation will expand the scope of our existing cyber regulations to cover more critical services. This includes bringing managed service providers and critical suppliers into scope.

The Bill will also strengthen the powers of regulators, and give government the tools to respond quickly to emerging threats. It’s a proportionate but decisive step to not only protect the critical services on which we all rely, but also strengthen cyber resilience across the UK economy.

The Bill will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows. It has been developed working closely with regulators, industry and many of those who are here tonight.

I want to thank techUK for your close engagement with us as we’ve developed the Bill. We’ve really valued your feedback.

I want to assure you there will many opportunities to feed into our plans for implementation and there will be suitable transition periods for businesses to reflect the changes we are bringing forward. So please do continue to share your feedback – it is incredibly valuable.

This legislation to improve cyber resilience is focused on the most critical services. The services the public rely on to go about their normal lives – to switch on lights, turn on the tap to safe water, and know the NHS is there to support them.

However, the vast majority of UK businesses and organisations will not be covered by the Cyber Bill because we do not think it would be proportionate. The IT and services they rely on will become more resilient as a result of the Bill – and the support and free advice we have made available ensures firms are on a stronger footing to safeguard themselves and deal with disruption.

We are continuing to work with industry to help drive action and increase adoption of cyber security measures.

I want to work with you all to understand how we can best help businesses take up the guidance and tools the government has created.

For example, we know the Cyber Essentials scheme is highly effective. Organisations with a Cyber Essentials certificate are 92% less likely to make claim on their cyber insurance than those without. We’re working hard to drive adoption of Cyber Essentials, but how can we do it better?

Similarly, we published a Cyber Governance Code of Practice earlier this year. This helps Boards and Directors effectively manage cyber risks in their businesses – and it comes with free training from the National Cyber Security Centre. All larger organisations should be using this.

How will we make sure that happens – redouble our efforts?

New National Cyber Strategy

Many of the answers will be set out in a National Cyber Strategy, which we’re in the process of refreshing.

The new strategy will reflect the evolving threat landscape and the opportunities of emerging technologies. It will focus on resilience and growth, and DSIT will play a leading role in shaping its direction. We’re working across Whitehall and with industry to ensure it delivers real outcomes and reflects the strengths of our cyber ecosystem.

Thank you again to everyone who has been involved.

Conclusion

So, to sum up:

We’re backing the cyber sector – because it’s vital to our economy and our national security.

We’re investing in growth, innovation and talent – because a strong cyber ecosystem underpins everything we do.

And we’re strengthening our cyber defences – because it’s what we need to do to keep the public and the economy safe, and harness the opportunity of technology and digital advances on AI.

Finally, we’re asking you to continue working with us – because cyber security is a team sport. You can help us shape the future, support young people, and build a cyber sector that is secure, inclusive and built to last.

Thank you for everything you do. Have a great evening – and I look forward to working with you.

October 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Organisations partner up to help get Midlands ‘flood ready’ [October 2025]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 16 October 2025.

People warned not to be complacent about risk of flooding, despite continuing drought conditions in Midlands.

As part of Flood Action Week (13 – 19 October), millions across the country are being urged to know their flood risk and what to do in the event of flooding.

In the Midlands, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and Telford & Wrekin Council have partnered up to share advice to help people get ‘flood ready’ for the winter ahead.

The organisations have put together their top tips for people at risk and a guide to ‘who does what’ in times of flooding.

While relevant organisations work closely on flooding impacts, members of the public can contact their local council for help on surface water flooding, their local water company on sewer flooding and the Environment Agency on major river flooding.

People are warned not to be complacent about the risk of flooding, despite much of the Midlands region still being in drought.

The dry conditions of recent months mean that the ground is hard and compacted, increasing the risk of localised surface water flooding.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

With a changing climate, the frequency and severity of flooding will only increase. That’s why it’s essential you know what to do in a flood.

By knowing what actions to take, you can reduce the effects on your home and family and even save lives.

We urge people to check if they are at risk and to sign up for Environment Agency warnings.

A spokesperson for Severn Trent Water said:

We know how upsetting flooding can be, and as we move into the colder months and the potential for heavy rainfall, we want to make sure our customers feel supported and informed.

That’s why we’re working in closely with the Environment Agency and local authorities to help communities stay safe and be prepared.

By sharing simple, practical advice to help protect your home, and making sure you know exactly who to contact, whether it’s flooding from roads, rivers or sewers, it’s vital that people contact the right organisation quickly so the right action can be taken.

By working together and making it easier to get the right help quickly, we can respond faster and ensure that you have the information and help you need, when you need it most.

Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement at Telford & Wrekin Council said:

Flooding is a real and recurring risk in our area, with both river and surface water events becoming more frequent and unpredictable.

As a local authority, we’re not just raising awareness during Flood Action Week, we’re actively working year-round to improve drainage, maintain flood defences, and support residents.

This is through practical advice and resources which is why we continue to invest into tackling flooding in hot spot locations across the borough while providing support to residents and businesses.

We’re committed to helping our communities stay safe and resilient and Flood Action Week is a timely reminder for everyone to check their flood risk and take simple steps to protect their homes and families.

Who do I contact about flooding?
- For flooding on roads, small rivers and streams - you should contact your local council, this includes blocked drains or grates on highways. They will also help you with groundwater surface flooding, as well as flooding in streams, brooks and small rivers.
- For major river flooding - contact the Environment Agency to understand your level of flood risk, what work is being done to reduce flood risk in your area and advice on how to prepare for flooding. You can find more information and contact details on the Environment Agency  website. The Flood line number is 0345 988 1188. 
- For sewer flooding or flooding due to burst pipes - if the flooding is coming from the public sewer you will need Severn Trent Water. If the flooding is due to heavy rain, Severn Trent Water may need to wait for the flood water to subside before they can investigate. You should also contact your insurer so they can give you help and advice. 
October 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Report of the Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo: UK statement [October 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 16 October 2025.

Ambassador Holland welcomes the work of the OSCE Mission over the last six months, and the positive assessment of municipal elections on 12 October – while underlining concerns over security and political developments.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

Firstly, I would like to welcome Ambassador McGurk – dear Gerard – back to the Permanent Council. Thank you for the comprehensive written report on the recent work of the Mission, and for your informative presentation this morning.

The United Kingdom welcomes last weekend’s municipal elections in Kosovo, and the positive assessment by international observers. The return of Kosovo-Serb mayors to the northern municipalities is a vital first-step in ensuring representative local governance. We encourage all parties to ensure that the transitions of the newly elected mayors are made with full respect to Kosovo’s rule of law and ensure a calm and safe environment for all communities.

The UK particularly welcomes the convening of the new Kosovo Assembly and sees this as an important step towards the formation of a new government.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom shares the concerns highlighted in the Mission report around security and political developments which have impacted on intercommunity relations in Kosovo, including the closures of institutions and facilities which provide vital services to Kosovo-Serbs and other non-majority communities. We echo the comments in the Report that sustainable peace and legitimacy flow from institutions that deliver fairly and equitably for all people of Kosovo. The UK will continue to encourage the Government of Kosovo to uphold Kosovo’s constitutional obligations as a multi-ethnic society, to engage with the international community and consult constructively with the Kosovo-Serb community ahead of any actions that impact their community.

We urge both Kosovo and Serbia to engage constructively in the EU-facilitated Dialogue and to deliver on their respective obligations, including the establishment of the Association of Serb Majority Municipalities. Failure by either side to meet existing commitments has negative implications for the daily lives of ordinary citizens and for wider stability in the Western Balkans.

The UK also underlines the importance of ensuring justice and accountability for the 2023 attacks on KFOR troops and in Banjska, and calls on Serbia to fully cooperate in bringing those responsible to account, and to fulfil its pledge to cooperate in the investigation of the attack on the Ibar-Lepenc Canal.

The UK particularly appreciates the unique role of the Mission in monitoring and early warning functions, through its extensive network of regional centres. We continue to value the Mission’s support on human rights and inter-community relations, including on interfaith dialogue and assistance to non-majority communities on language rights and the preservation of cultural heritage. We also appreciate the Mission’s ongoing support to the UK and Swiss funded diploma verification process.

We welcome the continued focus on gender equality, including work of the Dialogue Academy and support to implementation of the 2024 Action Plan. We share the Mission’s concerns around the lack of women’s participation in elections, and welcome the work of the EmPOWER programme to increase numbers of women candidates.

Mr Chair, the United Kingdom is a longstanding and strong supporter of Kosovo as an independent, sovereign and multiethnic state. The UK will continue to support stability, security and economic cooperation in the Western Balkans, including through our hosting of the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit in London on 22 October and the work of our Special Envoy, Dame Karen Pierce.

Finally, I wanted to again thank you, Gerard, for your leadership of the Mission at this critical time. We sincerely appreciate the hard work of your team under challenging circumstances, and will continue to make the case in this Council for field operations to receive the funding necessary to effectively deliver the mandates tasked to them by participating States.

Thank you, Mr Chair.

October 23, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Record funding to protect Jewish communities [October 2025]
The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 16 October 2025.

Security around synagogues and Jewish schools will be ramped up thanks to record levels of funding to protect communities and help targeted groups feel safe, the Prime Minister has announced today.  
- Jewish communities will receive up to £10 million in an emergency cash injection to scale up security at synagogues and schools, taking funding to protect faith communities to record levels
- The announcement follows the horrific terrorist attack in Manchester two weeks ago, and latest statistics showing that Jewish people are more targeted by hate crime than any other group
- Prime Minister pledges to go further and leave no stone unturned to keep Jewish people safe in all parts of life
Security around synagogues and Jewish schools will be ramped up thanks to record levels of funding to protect communities and help targeted groups feel safe, the Prime Minister has announced today.  

Up to £10 million will be dedicated to paying for more security staff and equipment around Jewish sites, such as CCTV, alarms and floodlights.

The emergency cash injection, which will be available immediately, comes two weeks after the horrifying terrorist attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester.

Statistics out last week also show that religious hate crime is at the highest ever levels and Jewish people were more targeted than any other group.

Following this attack, many Jewish leaders have already taken steps to increase security and protect their communities, measures that will now be supported by the government.   

Local police forces have also stepped up patrols in at risk areas, and deployed more officers to manage violent protests, investigate hate crimes and support communities who feel targeted.    

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

I was in Manchester the day after the horrific terrorist attack and saw first-hand the fear that many Jewish people are facing. Not just on that terrible day, but every day, and in every part of their lives. The devastating truth is that antisemitism is on the rise in Britain, and we must defeat it. 

In the days after the attack, I promised to do everything in my power to give Jewish communities the security they deserve, and this work has already begun. We are giving record levels of funding to scale up security at synagogues and faith schools, and we are giving the powers they need to tackle protests that cause repeat disruption to communities and intimidate worshippers, but more must be done.

Tackling this hatred will not be solved with quick fixes. It will take work across communities and in every part of our country and every part of our society. It is a national effort that I am determined this government will lead.

The Prime Minister made the announcement at the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that protects British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism, and who will administer the funding.

Mark Gardner, CST Chief Executive said:

This is a vital emergency boost for security measures at a crucial time for the Jewish community, as we confront the aftermath of the appalling Islamist terrorist attack in Manchester.

This fund will strengthen the security infrastructure protecting our synagogues, schools, and community buildings, at a time when Jews remain, proportionally, the most likely victims of hate crime in the UK.

We are grateful for this announcement and will continue to work closely with the government and community partners: but the root causes of antisemitism and extremism must be acknowledged and tackled if long term change is to occur.

Today’s announcement also builds on action already taken to help clamp down on hate crime and antisemitism including empowering the police to put conditions on repeat protests and ordering a review of all protest legislation to make sure the police have the powers they need to tackle intimidation, incitement and keep communities safe. 

The latest statistics also show that the Muslim community has faced an increase in vile hate crime over the past year. The safety and security of all our communities is of the utmost importance, and the Government is also looking at how best to support them.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

The sickening attack in Manchester was an assault on the safety, dignity and peace of mind that every Jewish person deserves.

We are providing record funding to help protect synagogues and Jewish schools – but this isn’t just about cameras and alarms, it’s about restoring that peace of mind, and sending the message: Britain stands with its Jewish community, always.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

Our Jewish community shouldn’t have to choose between worship and safety. No one should be forced to live a smaller Jewish life in our country.

Hatred and violence seeks to divide us. But we choose the path of solidarity. We stand with the Jewish community, and with all communities, who have been forced to live in fear.
October 22, 2025

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Curriculum Vitae

UK cyber security sector

Resilience and the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill

New National Cyber Strategy

Conclusion

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Mark Gardner, CST Chief Executive said:

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: